An £8 million hub designed to bring new medical technologies to market is being planned for Boots' Enterprise Zone in Beeston.

The pharmacy group has partnered with Nottingham Trent University's Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) to develop products and materials aimed at meeting future healthcare needs.

Work on the centre could begin this summer in conjunction with the university’s £15 million research and development centre at its Clifton campus.

According to the proposals, the facilities will integrate the work of scientists, engineers, clinicians and medical technology entrepreneurs. They will provide laboratory space, clean rooms, technology and expertise for prototype development.

Mark Chivers, director of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone at Boots UK, said: “We are supporting this initiative to create a vibrant business site that will improve the local economy and allow a number of startups and small and medium enterprises to develop and grow.”

Enterprise zones are awarded by the government, which gives businesses incentives - such as minimal rates - to base themselves in a particular area. Boots was awarded its zone status in 2011.

Since then it collaborated with BioCity to create a business incubator focused on health and wellness, called MediCity.

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